Chinese and Arabic SEO... how to do it?

I've just faced this unusual problem.
One of my clients is preparing different language versions of his website. Besides popular european languages, there are also chinese and arabic version.
I was asked to estimate SEO at that markets - SEO regarding native languages. If find it difficult gue to not knowing the market at all and - moreover - totally different language.
What do you think? What would you do on my position?
I was thinking about getting some partnership with one of local SEO companies... Any other ideas?

I have a meeting tomorrow regarding a Japanese version of a Website. I have no answers for you right away, but hopefully in a few days, I'll be able to chime in. Anyone else?

Not only do you have the problem with languages - but also with local idiom. For example Austria, Germany and part of Switzerland all speak German. But local interpretation of certain phrases can be totally different.

Somewhat similar to Queen's and American English where certain expressions can mean totally different things to the different audiences. It can be even worse for non-European cultures where things such as colour schemes can have different meanings!

You really have to find local firms to co-operate with IMO.

So let's say for some reason (cost, etc...) you can't do the ideal thing and work with a local company...

The good news is that you may not have to! These two areas of the world are lagging pretty far behind in terms of search technology. Most are still relying on human powered directories! So translation is one of your biggest obstacles... and you don't need someone local to do that.

In addition, keep in mind that for these two areas you are looking at a number of different languages. For instance, if you are targeting China, you need to look at different character encoding for different language "variations." You also probably want to look at surrounding languages such as Thai, Malaysian, etc... Start with Hong Kong english, work your way towards the others.

Don't forget that international audiences often search in English!

One more thing I would stress - There are plenty of people living in your own neighborhood that are from countries all over the world. Seek our their help.

Hi, I am a Chinese working on SEO stuff. I got a cumpter science in degree in USA and I am currently living in Beijing China. If you would like to consider me as your partner, send me an email at fallcool@yahoo.com

Need Arabic SEO and/or translation? check this website. It shows up on Google for Arabic marketing and Arabic Advertising.

I have used Universal Engine and they seem to have some knowledgeable people.

Universal Engine (New York) specializes in multi-lingual online marketing. We have unsurpassed experience in this field. We can definitely help you estimate your SEO as we have dealt with European, Chinese and Arabic languages extensively in the past. Also, we have gained great knowledge of specifics of the markets, i.e. culture + traditions. Please check our website www.universalengine.com for more information, or write to gbagirian@universalengine.com.

UE (New York) specializes in multi-lingual online marketing. We have unsurpassed experience in this field. We can definitely help you estimate your SEO as we have dealt with European, Chinese and Arabic languages extensively in the past. Also, we have gained great knowledge of specifics of the markets, i.e. culture + traditions. Please check our website www.universalengine.com for more information, or write to gbagirian@universalengine.com.